Words of Radiance

The Stormlight Archive Series, Book 2

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson, Words of Radiance, Book Two of the Stormlight Archive, continues the immersive fantasy epic that The Way of Kings began.Expected by his enemies to die the miserable death of a military slave, Kaladin survived to be given command of the royal bodyguards, a controversial first for a low-status "darkeyes." Now he must protect the king and Dalinar from every common peril as well as the distinctly uncommon threat of the Assassin, all while secretly struggling to master remarkable new powers that are somehow linked to his honorspren, Syl.The Assassin, Szeth, is active again, murdering rulers all over the world of Roshar, using his baffling powers to thwart every bodyguard and elude all pursuers. Among his prime targets is Highprince Dalinar, widely considered the power behind the Alethi throne. His leading role in the war would seem reason enough, but the Assassin's master has much deeper motives.Brilliant but troubled Shallan strives along a parallel path. Despite being broken in ways she refuses to acknowledge, she bears a terrible burden: to somehow prevent the return of the legendary Voidbringers and the civilization-ending Desolation that will follow. The secrets she needs can be found at the Shattered Plains, but just arriving there proves more difficult than she could have imagined.Meanwhile, at the heart of the Shattered Plains, the Parshendi are making an epochal decision. Hard pressed by years of Alethi attacks, their numbers ever shrinking, they are convinced by their war leader, Eshonai, to risk everything on a desperate gamble with the very supernatural forces they once fled. The possible consequences for Parshendi and humans alike, indeed, for Roshar itself, are as dangerous as they are incalculable.Other Tor books by Brandon SandersonThe CosmereThe Stormlight ArchiveThe Way of KingsWords of RadianceEdgedancer (Novella)Oathbringer (forthcoming)The Mistborn trilogyMistborn: The Final EmpireThe Well of AscensionThe Hero of AgesMistborn: The Wax and Wayne seriesAlloy of LawShadows of SelfBands of MourningCollectionArcanum UnboundedOther Cosmere novelsElantrisWarbreakerThe Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians seriesAlcatraz vs. the Evil LibrariansThe Scrivener's BonesThe Knights of CrystalliaThe Shattered LensThe Dark TalentThe Rithmatist seriesThe RithmatistOther books by Brandon SandersonThe ReckonersSteelheartFirefightCalamityAt the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

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For as long of a book as Words of Radiance is, it was difficult to put it down. If you had the patience to get through the 1000+ pages of The Way of Kings, you don't need me to tell you its sequel is just as good if not better. Whereas Way of Kings was about the emergence of the new Radiants and learning the prophecies of the Voidbringers return, Words of Radiance finally reveals them. I can only hope the 3rd book keeps the momentum and depth of the first two.

It took me forever to read this because I was scared to pick it up ... it's such a commitment and I always knew that if I sat down with it, I'd hardly get up (which is hard with 2 little kids). It was not because I didn't like it. I loved it. Brandon Sanderson has the ability to transport you completely to his world.

Lots happens, Shallan is crazy, Kaladin is moody (but still cool), and Dalinar is my favourite character again. Can't wait to read the 3rd book and find out more about his past.

I definitely recommend this series! Without a doubt these are going on my shelf.

This is an excellent sequel to “The Way of Kings,” and in many ways better. Characters are fleshed out more, and we are given a fascinating look at how the sprens, Pattern and Syl, evolve as they interact increasingly with their bonded humans, Shallan and Kaladin. So unlike the first book in this series, there are less bloody battle scenes and more magic and character development. The mark of a great author is creating characters that the reader truly cares about. I found myself totally engaged again in Kaladin’s story and rooting for him throughout the book. Sanderson shows him to be a true hero, but also thoroughly human, with all the attendant flaws and potential for evil or good. I am eagerly awaiting the continuation of this story in the third book.

I continue to like Sanderson's unique supernatural mechanics he employs in his writings. The shard pieces, the radiants, storms, and spren. All super cool. The characters were strong. There weren't an overabundance of hard to follow characters either. You get a good time to spend with your main characters in this book.

So what's keeping me from giving it a 5* rating?

A few things.

Though the characters are strong, I was sort of hoping to see more diversity of different perspectives. Different characters to see the story through. Maybe show whats going on behind the curtain a little, with the Ghostbloods, or Sadeas. Now, they did show some Eshoni (the Parshendi) perspective. Though that perspective was lacking, despite it having the skeleton of a really good perspective. They pointed to there being 10 radiants, however I was disappointed that some were really focused on, like Kaladin. Though others were mentioned very briefly.

I won't say that there were no surprises. However, for how long this book was, it got a little old being given the prelude to every event in this slightly drawn out story. What kept this from being worse is actually the good writing. If the writing wasn't capturing the imagination, this story would have been much worse, given it's structure.

There were some very cool interludes with intriguing side stories and fascinating atmosphere.

Really, I don't see Sanderson coming back to write sequels to this easily. Especially noting the amount of time he's waited, and the amount put into these Stormlight Archive beasts. It was nice getting more closure to these characters, and I enjoyed this story. However, I don't know if the set up for squeals was really strong. Also, I don't find myself desperately craving a sequel.

Very very addicting...it was an emotional roller coaster DXDX. The characters are so beautiful and the plot is so intricately woven (read the first book first to prevent spoilers). Sometimes, I think I hate Sanderson's characters but then I realize that just makes me love them more........Definitely a worthwhile read; only problem is that the third book is still in progress and the wait will kill you.

An excellent read, however I was a little annoyed from time to time by the author's habit of dropping apparently disconnected tidbits into the plot with a very long period elapsing before the dots were connected. Other than that I wait impatiently for the next episode.

Epic Fantasy at its best. One of the best, if not the best fantasy book I've ever read, and I have to say I read a lot of fantasy. The author's attention to detail is extraordinary. The plot is complex but the author weaves it together like a master artist. The world the author has build is magnificent. The story is emotionally charged with heroic fights and proclamations of honor and sacrifice.

Quotes

"And while I am your friend, please understand that our goals do not completely align. You must not trust yourself with me. If I have to watch this world crumble and burn to get what I need, I will do so. With tears, yes, but I would let it happen." -Wit

"sad, i know," she said, feeling depressed, "it was beautiful."
"it would have been more beautiful if it hadn't tried to eat me."
from my perspective, Shallan noted, "it didn't try, it succeeded."
-shallan and Kaladin, after defeating the chasmfiend

Notices

Violence:Not as bad as the first but its still there. Bloody battles, beheadings, somewhat gory swordplay. Some scattered intestines. The most violent scenes are with the assassin. Those scenes can be brutal.